The witches’ predictions were the initial spark to Macbeth’s desire to become king, no one tells him to kill Duncan. When the second prophecy of becoming Thane of Cawdor, he begins to believe the witches prophecy and “if good, why do I yield to that suggestion”. For the first time in the story, a dark side to the brave and courageous Macbeth is portrayed to the audience. Macbeth sees himself kill his ruler and although Macbeth is horrified by the thought but he continues to strive for the position of king as prophesised by the witches.
As the play progresses, Macbeth slowly relied on the witches’ prophecy as guidance but it was the equally ambitious Lady Macbeth who spurred to him become king, which eventually lead to his downfall. She manages to manipulate Macbeth in such a way that she may “pour [her] spirits in thine ear and chastise thee with the valour of [her] tongue”. Lady Macbeth tries to persuade Macbeth to kill Duncan but it in the long run, it was Macbeth who listened to her demands and he who killed Duncan. Macbeth is responsible for putting power into the hands of Lady Macbeth and letting her influence him,